Nigerian actor Stan Nze has revealed that more than five mobile phones were stolen during the service of songs held in honour of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo’s late father, sparking conversations about security and crowd control at high-profile public gatherings.
Nze made the disclosure while reacting to the atmosphere at the event, which brought together several top figures in the Nigerian film industry, friends, and well-wishers to pay their final respects.
The service of songs, which was organized as part of the funeral arrangements, attracted a large turnout of celebrities, industry colleagues, and members of the public. While the event was intended to celebrate the life and legacy of Ekubo’s father, it was reportedly overshadowed by incidents of petty theft within the crowd.
According to Stan Nze, the theft involved multiple attendees who discovered that their phones had gone missing during the course of the gathering. He estimated that more than five devices were stolen, raising concerns about the vulnerability of guests in densely populated public events.
The actor’s revelation has since triggered discussions across social media, with many expressing shock that such incidents could occur during a solemn occasion. Some attendees also shared similar experiences, suggesting that the situation may have been more widespread than initially reported.
Alex Ekubo, a well-known Nollywood actor and model, has not publicly commented on the incident. However, the service of songs itself was widely attended by prominent personalities from the Nigerian entertainment industry, reflecting the strong support network surrounding the actor and his family during their period of mourning.
Events of this nature typically attract large crowds, and security experts note that such environments can sometimes become targets for opportunistic theft. The presence of valuable personal belongings such as mobile phones, wallets, and jewelry often increases the risk in crowded spaces where movement is restricted.
While the primary focus of the gathering was to honour the memory of Ekubo’s father, the reported theft incident has raised questions about event security planning and the need for stricter protective measures at celebrity-attended functions.
Many social media users have called for improved security arrangements at similar events in the future, suggesting the deployment of additional personnel, controlled access points, and better crowd management strategies to prevent such occurrences.
Despite the disruption, several attendees emphasized that the service of songs remained a respectful and emotional tribute to the deceased. Colleagues described the ceremony as heartfelt, with moments of reflection, prayers, and support for the Ekubo family.
Stan Nze’s comments have added a new dimension to the conversation, highlighting the challenges that can arise even at well-organized gatherings when large crowds are involved.
Industry observers note that as Nigerian entertainment events continue to grow in scale and popularity, the importance of professional event security and crowd control becomes increasingly critical.
The incident also underscores a broader issue faced at public gatherings in major cities, where pickpocketing and theft can occur in densely packed environments if adequate precautions are not taken.
As discussions continue, fans and colleagues of Alex Ekubo have continued to express sympathy and support for the actor and his family, while also hoping that future events in honour of loved ones will be better protected.
For now, Stan Nze’s revelation serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and security awareness, even during solemn and emotionally significant occasions.
